In a stunning turn of events, reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden, representing Team Penske, faced a humiliating blow as his victory in the IndyCar season-opener at St. Petersburg was revoked. The disqualification came after allegations of manipulating the push-to-pass system during the race.
NEWS: #INDYCAR officials announce penalties for Team Penske, including disqualifications for the Nos. 2 and 3 entries, and a 10-point deduction for the No. 12, for violating Push-to-Pass parameters at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
The disqualification of the No. 2… pic.twitter.com/5A7l1Lk4HA
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 24, 2024
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Joining Newgarden in the fallout, Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin, who clinched third place, also faced disqualification, while Will Power, finishing fourth, received a point deduction but avoided disqualification. The repercussions extended further as all three Penske entries incurred a hefty $25,000 fine and forfeiture of prize money.
Reacting to the scandal, team owner Roger Penske expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the sport. The disqualifications shocked the racing community, with Chip Ganassi expressing disappointment and labeling it a series blemish.
The unexpected turn of events handed victory to Pato O’Ward, marking McLaren’s first win in the IndyCar series since 2022. Despite the late discovery, IndyCar vows to uphold championship integrity, introducing new inspection procedures to prevent future violations.
A review of race data revealed that Team Penske manipulated the overtake system, allowing the drivers to use push-to-pass outside the permitted zones. Team Penske President Tim Cindric accepted responsibility, attributing the violation to a software glitch following hybrid testing.
The fallout from the disqualifications has significant ramifications for Newgarden’s championship aspirations, as he plummeted from first to 11th in the standings. Meanwhile, Ganassi driver Scott Dixon emerges as the new points leader, heading into the upcoming race at Barber Motorsports Park.
Amidst turmoil, McLaughlin upheld integrity, admitting the error and emphasizing fair play to protect the team’s reputation. It’s Team Penske’s second cheating offense this season, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to regulations in motorsport.
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